Head of Environmental Health & Regulatory Services

VanRath; Bangor; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Northern Ireland is seeking a Head of Environmental Health and Regulatory Services. This leadership role involves strategic oversight of environmental health, regulatory services, and building partnerships with stakeholders. Candidates must have a relevant degree and significant senior management experience in environmental health. The position requires strong leadership and project management skills.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years' senior management experience in environmental health or regulatory services.
• Proven ability in financial, project, and change management.
• Strong ICT capability and ability to adopt new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across environmental health and regulatory services.
• Oversee compliance with statutory, legal, and governance frameworks.
• Manage budgets, resources, and people to ensure service sustainability.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Advising senior management

Negotiation skills

Project management

Change management

ICT capability

Education

Degree in Environmental Health

Registration with Environmental Officers Registration Board

Job description

About the Role

VANRATH are delighted to be assisting Ards and North Down Borough Council in the appointment of a Head of Environmental Health and Regulatory Services.

This senior leadership role, within the Active and Healthy Communities Directorate, carries responsibility for Environmental Health, Licensing & Regulatory Services, and the Neighbourhood Environment Team. The postholder will ensure statutory obligations are met, services remain customer-focused, and continuous improvement drives operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across environmental health and regulatory services.
• Advise senior management on public health, licensing, and regulatory issues.
• Oversee compliance with statutory, legal, and governance frameworks.
• Lead the development and implementation of service strategies and policies.
• Build strong partnerships with government bodies, businesses, and communities.
• Drive innovation, performance management, and transformation across services.
• Represent the Council at external meetings, committees, and inspections.
• Manage budgets, resources, and people to ensure service sustainability.

Candidate Criteria

Essential:

• Degree (or equivalent) entitling membership of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
• Registration with the Environmental Officers Registration Board (or UK equivalent).
• At least 3 years' senior management experience in environmental health or regulatory services, with responsibility for:
• • Developing and implementing strategies.
  • Advising senior management.
  • Successfully leading and managing teams.
• Proven ability in financial, project, and change management.
• Excellent negotiation, influencing, and partnership skills.
• Strong ICT capability and ability to adopt new technologies.
• Access to transport for role requirements.

Desirable:

• Additional professional qualifications.
• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body.

For more information, please contact Chris Haddock today. IND02